Why Everyone Should Be Screened for Oral Cancer

In the past, people thought that oral cancer was exclusively diagnosed in old men who smoked tobacco for decades. While oral cancer is doubly as prevalent in men as it is in women, and that lifestyle choices can increase the risk, more younger people have been diagnosed in recent years. Professional dentists recommend oral cancer screening at every dentist visit for people between the ages of 25 and 50.

Why Should Young People Be Screened for Oral Cancer?

Since more older people are diagnosed with oral cancer, many dentists don’t both screening younger people. However, it is important to recognise the increase in prevalence in younger people. For that reason, screening is an important part of early detection. Early detection can increase the chances of successful treatment, and therefore survival, significantly.

Since 1984, there has been an increase in oral cancer, and also in the human papillomavirus (HPV). Every year, 33,000 new cases of cancer are found in the same body parts where HPV is prevalent, such as cervical cancer in women. Researchers believe that theere is a correlation between oral cancer and HPV.

However, HPV related orapharyngeal and oral cancers are harder to detect than those caused by tobacco. The symptoms are not aways obvious to the individual or to professionals, as they are often painless and subtle. Also, not all oral cancer screening devices can find these types of cancer. The best screening for this purpose, is a tactile and visual exam, performed by a dentis or doctor on a regular basis.

Here’s what you should know about oral cancers:

While HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus infection, it does not mean that you or your partner has been unfaithful, as it can lay dormant for many years, during which you will not test positive.

There are approximately 200 strains of HPV, with only 9 that cause cancers, and 6 suspected to cause cancer. HPV 16 is the one that causes oral cancer and that of reproductive organs.

Early detection can hep ensure successful treatment as there is a 81% five-year survival rate.

Only 35% of cases of oral cancer are detected during the earliest stage.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer

As with all cancers, prevention is better than cure. You can reduce your risk of oral cancer by:

stopping – or at least limiting – your use of all types of tobacco products

reducing alcohol intake

use a sunscreen with SPF12+

if your dentures don’t fit properly, speak to your dentist

Possible Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer symptoms may include:

sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal for more than 3 weeks

discoloration or the soft tissues

pain or difficulty swallowing.

assymetrical tonsils

persistently hoarse voice and sore throat

lumps and swelling in the mouth

numb feeling in the lips or mouth

constant coughing

one persistent ear ache

Don’t delay oral cancer screening just because you think it is an old man’s disease. The screening is painless and simple, and early detection can safe your life.

As a family practice, we provide comfortable care for patients of all ages, from children to adults. From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll benefit from our experience & detail-oriented approach, as well as our warm & caring treatment philosophy.